BSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Lincoln Memorial University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 6,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Lincoln Memorial University is in Harrogate, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Lincoln Memorial University 10:1.

BSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Lincoln Memorial University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ball State University than Lincoln Memorial University ($13,599 vs. $21,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln Memorial University are 0.9% lower than at Ball State University ($12,226 vs. $12,334).
• Lincoln Memorial University is 143.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $15,856 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at BSU than at Lincoln Memorial University (about $2,692 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $26,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln Memorial University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln Memorial University students is 51.9% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($20,081 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU or Lincoln Memorial University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lincoln Memorial University and BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 60 points higher than at Lincoln Memorial University (1110).
• Incoming BSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Lincoln Memorial University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Lincoln Memorial University 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Lincoln Memorial University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Lincoln Memorial University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Lincoln Memorial University (3.29).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Lincoln Memorial University (62.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 15.8% at Lincoln Memorial University.

BSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Lincoln Memorial University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Lincoln Memorial University's (49%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Lincoln Memorial University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have a $7,980 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($17,020 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($175 vs. $258).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln Memorial University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.